Acmena smithii 'Cherry Surprise' Lilly Pilly

The Acmena smithii 'Cherry Surprise' is a spectacular shorter growing Australian Native Lilly Pilly renowned for its stunning deep red, cherry coloured new growth, compact bushy form, and exceptional pest resistance.

New growth produces deep red foliage which later deepens to a dark green once mature, delivering continuous colour drama and reliable performance for low to medium hedging and screening.

The Cherry Surprise excels at creating low to medium height hedges, providing privacy and screening without becoming overly tall or sprawling.

Pest & Disease Resistant - Resistant to pysllid.  Rarely troubled by other pest and diseases.

Spacing: Plant every 80cm apart for a faster forming hedge or further apart for a slower forming hedge.

Growth size: 3m h x 1.5m w

Positioning: Full sun to part shade.

Perfect for: Low to medium hedging & screening, border planting, narrow garden beds

Growth Rate: Fast

Dwarf Variety Excellence:

Considered a dwarf variety, the Cherry Surprise is specifically bred for compact growth, making it ideal for smaller gardens, border plantings, and narrow garden beds where full-sized Lilly Pillys may become too wide. 

This variety is lovely in its natural form without the need for excessive pruning.  

Stunning Bright Red New Growth:

The hallmark characteristic of the Cherry Surprise is its striking deep red new growth that continuously emerges throughout the warmer seasons.

New growth is red/cherry coloured foliage which later deepens to a dark green once mature.

This colour transformation creates year-round visual interest and contrast to the garden with red flush continuously appearing as the tree grows, providing constant ornamental drama.

Small Leafed Foliage Appeal:

The small leafed foliage creates a fine texture and delicate appearance, distinguishing the Cherry Surprise from broader-leafed Lilly Pilly varieties.

The small leaves combined with the bushy, compact form create an attractive, refined silhouette.

Bushy & Compact Growth Habit:

The naturally bushy and compact growth habit develops beautifully without requiring extensive pruning. This inherent density makes the Cherry Surprise perfect for creating full, lush hedges and screens without the need for constant trimming and shaping.

Narrow Garden Beds Suitability:

The compact size makes the Cherry Surprise ideal for narrow garden beds, confined spaces, and areas where full-sized plants would be unsuitable.

The efficient use of space combined with ornamental appeal makes it invaluable for space-conscious gardeners.

Growth size usually around 3m tall by 1.5m wide. 

Growing Requirements:

Position in full sun to part shade.

The Cherry Surprise adapts well to diverse light conditions, thriving in full sun while tolerating part shade.

Once established, it's exceptionally low-maintenance and drought-tolerant.

Perfect Uses:

> Low to medium hedging & screening

> Border planting

> Narrow garden beds

Why Choose Cherry Surprise Lilly Pilly?

> Dwarf compact form

> Contrasting colours of red new growth with dark green maturation

> Small leafed foliage creating fine texture

> Bushy naturally dense habit

> Exceptional pest and disease resistance (especially psyllid)

> Narrow garden beds

> Lower maintenance characteristics 

Height Approximates in Pots for this Variety:

200mm - 40-60cm tall

300mm - 80-1m tall

400mm - 1.4m tall

75L - 1.6-1.8m tall

100L - 2m+ tall

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